Job interviews should be serious, but an American survey reveals the actions and attitudes of some job candidates can be extremely unconventional, peculiar, humorous and self-defeating.

Top executives of major corporations were asked: What is the most unusual thing you're aware of happening during a job interview? Here are some highlights (or should we say lowlights?) from the survey:

Stay relaxed:  One candidate dozed off and started snoring during an interview.

The ambitious approach:  The candidate told the interviewer that her long-term career goal was to replace him.

The nervous approach:  Not only did he ignore the "No Smoking" sign in the interviewer's office, he lit up the wrong end of several filter tip cigarettes.

The confident approach:  The candidate said he was so qualified, if he didn't get the job, it would prove that the company's management was incompetent.

The lazy approach:  One interviewee stretched out on the floor to fill out the job application.

Man's best friend:  Another interviewee brought her large dog to the interview.

Staying young at heart:  An interviewee kept herself occupied by chewing bubblegum and constantly blowing bubbles.

Showing a sense of humour? One woman kept giggling throughout a serious interview.

Multitasking: The candidate wore a walkman and said she could listen to the interviewer and the music at the same time.

A hair-raising experience:  A balding candidate abruptly excused himself, and returned to the office a few minutes later wearing a hairpiece.

The physical approach:  The job applicant challenged the interviewer to an arm wrestle.

Who's the boss?  The applicant asked to see the interviewer's resumé to see if the personnel executive was qualified to judge the candidate.

Stand and deliver:  The applicant refused to sit down and insisted on being interviewed standing up.

Show 'em you're hungry for work:  The candidate announced that she hadn't yet eaten lunch, and proceeded to eat a hamburger and french fries in the interviewer's office.

The casual approach: A man wore a jogging suit to an interview for a position as financial vice-president.

The absent-minded approach:  Without saying a word, the candidate stood up and walked out during the middle of the conversation.

The dedicated approach: The candidate said that if he were hired, he would demonstrate his loyalty by having the corporate logo tattooed on his forearm.

The psychological approach: The candidate interrupted to phone his therapist for advice on answering specific interview questions.